Swimming activities in California
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A
Los Baños del Mar
You can also swim in Los Baños del Mar , a municipal outdoor pool near West Beach which is good for recreational and lap swimming. For little ones under eight years old, there's a wonderful wading pool.
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B
Bidwell Park
Starting right downtown, 3670-acre Bidwell Park is the nation's third-largest municipal park. It stretches 10 miles northwest along Chico Creek with lush groves and miles of trails. The upper part of the park is a fairly untamed wilderness, surprising to find in the midst of an American city. Several classic movies have been shot here, including The Adventures of Robin Hood and parts of Gone with the Wind.
The park is full of hiking and mountain-biking trails and swimming spots. You'll find pools at One-Mile and Five-Mile recreation areas and swimming holes (including Bear Hole, Salmon Hole and Brown Hole) in Upper Bidwell Park, north of Manzanita Ave; expect some…
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C
Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center
The view from the dizzyingly high, six-lane, 25yd rooftop pool is enough to make you forget you came here to swim. Located at the UCSF Mission Bay campus, this pool and patio overlook the ballpark to the Bay Bridge. Water-based exercise classes are offered in a second pool, one level below.
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D
Embarcadero YMCA
Downtown professionals flock to this clean, modern YMCA, with extensive gym equipment, swimming pool, basketball court and massage services. Each locker room has a steam room. Bring a lock for your locker or else use the tiny penny lockers by the swimming pool.
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E
Redding Aquatic Center
West in Caldwell Park is the Redding Aquatic Center. This hugely popular center has an Olympic-size pool, another vast recreation pool and a 160ft-long water slide. The opening hours are subject to change.
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F
Koret Pool
For a serious lap swim, head to this Olympic-sized pool at the University of San Francisco, with 40ft ceilings and oversized windows. Admission includes use of the full gym as well.
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G
Swimming at Lake Anza
Lake Anza is a favorite area for picnics. From spring through late fall you can swim in Lake Anza for around. AC Transit bus 67 runs to the park.
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